Keeping the grass in good shape takes a lot less effort than most folks think.
Tip #1: Mow at at least 3.5". Mow high and mow often.
Tip #1A: In draught conditions do not mow. Let it get tall here and there, but don't mow it under such heavy stress.
Tip #1B: If possible water during a draught. Get at least 1.25" to it in the evening or wee hours of the morning. Laura and I have to do this by doing one patch at at time on a rotating basis. If you don't water long and deep, don't water at all. To figure out how long your sprinkler takes to do this use a measuring cup placed in the sprinkle pattern.
Tip #2: Feed it and weed it at half rate. I do not like dry weed killer. I prefer the spray that screws onto a garden hose. Safe, simple, effective and clean. To use at half rate just walk faster as you distribute the spray. I recommend
http://www.spectracide.com/ProductCategories/Herbicides/WeedStop2xConc/ if you can get it. As far as food, most brands are of equal value. Try to keep the Nitrogen content mid to low. A good fall lawn food is Milorganite, but you have to use alot. Use a rotary spreader. Drop spreaders can be a very difficult to use.
Tip #3: When you feed it mix in a few handfuls of epsom salts. Mix it in well.
Tip #4: Get the lawn core aerated yearly.
Tip #5: After aeration, put lime and iron down every two to three years.
Tip #6: Use the mulching blades rather than removing the grass from the lawn. It provides very necessary organic matter.
Tip #7: This is area and year specific, however your local greenhouse may be able to advise you for your area. Grub control. You can apply it or have it applied by the pros. Grubs can wipe our a lawn in a few weeks. If you see dead patches appear and you can pick up the remains like loose carpet, seek help immediately. That day.
FYI #1: Over time weeds will simply be pushed out and the need for herbicides will decrease.
FYI #2: Earthworms and nightcrawlers are your lawns buddies. Add a few thousand when the weather is mild to warm and the ground is moist. Do this in the evening.
FYI #3: Keeping your grass high not only promotes much deeper root structure, and increases soil water retention, but it also inhibits weed germination.
See Tip #1.
If anyone needs more specific advice, lemme know and I will do whatever I can.
Good book on lawn care. Gets into tonics way too much but a good overall reference.
http://books.google.com/books?id=keXwtOUaZ4oC&pg=PP1&dq=inauthor:Jerry+inauthor:F+inauthor:Baker&sig=EPPsKcxMeZEaac4OmSricIsgUe4Another famous read. If this had color photos this might be the perfect lawn reference.
http://www.amazon.com/Lawn-Bible-Groomed-Growing-Season/dp/0786888423/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/002-5789399-5088857?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189869493&sr=1-3